As we, at WGN Radio, prepare to welcome the Chicago Blackhawks into the “Century Club,” we are celebrating Chicago’s Original 6 hockey organization by highlighting over 100 players, coaches, executives, broadcasters and personalities that have been a part of Blackhawks’ 100-year history. Every weekday leading up to and through the 2025-26 season, you will hear about a different all-time Blackhawks figure in both the morning and afternoon WGN Radio sports reports, and here on WGNRadio.com. Several eras of Chicago hockey will be represented in our profiles, voiced by Dave Eanet, Andy Masur, Charlie Roumeliotis, Kevin Powell and Jack Heinrich.

We previously covered Reg Kerr. Next up:

by Andy Masur

Bill Wirtz owned the Chicago Blackhawks for 41 years. His tenure wasn’t without its controversies. Most notably not televising home games, thinking it was unfair to season ticket holders. Wirtz was blamed by the fan base for allowing Bobby Hull to leave for the WHA and for the trades of Jeremy Roenick, Phil Esposito and Ed Belfour. To those who knew Wirtz well, he was considered to be very generous and loyal. In fact, he established Blackhawk Charities, which has donated millions of dollars to the Boys and Girls Clubs over the years. 

Sponsored by your Chicago and Northwest Indiana Hyundai Dealers.